The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health announced it awarded $598,000 to 13 public libraries in Texas through its Mental Health’s Libraries Supporting Community Mental Health initiative. The foundation said this initiative will help the libraries strengthen mental health and well-being in their communities by supporting “current community partnerships and establishing new connections.”

Fort Bend County Libraries is one of the 13 recently announced grantee partners and, like the other libraries, will receive $46,000 over a two-year grant term. The grant period began November 1 and will continue for two years.

To implement the foundation’s initiative, FBCL’s Special Projects Department will collaborate with Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, Fort Bend County Behavioral Health Services, and Fort Bend County AgriLife Extension.

“The primary purpose of our project, Mental Health Matters: Empowering Fort Bend Residents Through Library Services and Partnerships, is to increase mental health awareness, strengthen community well-being, reduce stigma, and connect Fort Bend County residents with reliable mental health information and local support services,” the department shared.

“To achieve these goals, Fort Bend County Libraries will implement a countywide initiative that includes educational programs, community outreach, wellness activities, staff training, and partnerships with local organizations. Through these collaborative efforts, we hope to position the library as an accessible and welcoming resource for mental health education, awareness, and community support.” The other 12 new grantee partners are: Alice Salinas City of Alice Public Library, Allan Shivers Library and Museum, Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, Comanche Public Library, Dickinson Public Library, Friends of the Pottsboro Area Library, Hewitt Public Library, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, Montgomery County Memorial Library System Central Branch, Pharr Memorial Library, Sgt. Fernando de la Rosa Memorial Library, and Taft Public Library.


Hogg Foundation for Mental Health Senior Program Officer Rick Ybarra emphasized that public libraries are “increasingly evolving beyond their traditional role as caretakers and lenders of books.”


“Because they are trusted, low-barrier institutions, many libraries now also serve as community resource centers to offer information, programs, resources, and foster social connections,” Ybarra said. “This exciting project is focused on supporting libraries to build up and build out mental health information, education, resources, and support to improve community mental health and well-being.”

The Hogg Foundation will also host a learning community for all grantee partners to share knowledge, learning, strategies, and resources.

“The Libraries Supporting Mental Health Initiative will unlock new opportunities for local partners to share ownership in strengthening mental health, education, and supports to the communities they serve,” said Vicky Coffee, director of foundation initiatives.

An independent advisor, Clover Educational Consulting Group, will provide additional technical assistance to help libraries build sustainable evaluation capacity for continuous learning and improvement.

“Overall, this grant initiative aims to foster lifelong learning and strengthen social ties, ultimately enhancing mental health, well-being, and the quality of life within communities across Texas,” says Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director.